Impact of Curve Magnitude on Pain and Body Image in Patients With Adolescents Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by lateral curvature and rotation of the spine. The Cobb angle is the most widely used measurement to quantify the magnitude of spinal deformities. According to the Cobb method, curvatures less than 10 degrees are considered normal spinal asymmetry, whereas curvatures greater than 10 degrees are defined as scoliosis. Based on the coronal Cobb angle, scoliosis is classified as mild (\65°). AIS occurs in adolescents aged 10-18 years. Although back and low back pain are frequently reported in individuals with AIS, the relationship between curve severity, pain, and body image perception has not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether AIS leads to disability or functional limitations, and whether spinal curve severity influences pain intensity. Therefore, further research is required to clarify these issues. Accordingly, a cross-sectional observational study was designed involving individuals diagnosed with AIS. Participants aged 10-18 years who were diagnosed with AIS and presented to the Scoliosis Clinic of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at the University of Health Sciences Antalya Training and Research Hospital will be included. Participants must have no additional comorbid diseases and must voluntarily agree to participate in the study. Participants will be divided into three groups according to curve severity measured by Cobb angle: Group I (mild, \<20°), Group II (moderate, 21-35°), and Group III (moderate-to-severe, 36-40°). Medical history, neurological and physical examinations, and radiological measurements will be performed. Pain will be assessed using the pain-related domain of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire based on participant responses. Body image perception will be evaluat